American Nurses Foundation Announces 2026 The Power of Nurses^® Impact Award Honorees

CHICAGO — The American Nurses Foundation (ANF) today announced the honorees of the 2026 The Power of Nurses® Impact Awards, recognizing four individuals and organizations whose philanthropy, partnership and leadership are helping transform nursing and strengthen the health of communities.

The honorees were recognized during The Power of Nurses® Celebration Dinner in Chicago, held in celebration of the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) 130th anniversary and alongside the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet & Pathway Conference.

The 2026 honorees are:

·       Community Impact Award: Joan Widmer, MS, MSBA, RN, CEN, recognized for her commitment to nursing leadership and expanding educational opportunities for students pursuing nursing through nontraditional pathways.

·       Individual Impact Award: Jeannine M. Rivet, MPH, BSN, RN, FAAN, honored for her longstanding leadership and investment in developing nurses as influential leaders across health care and their communities.

·       Foundation Impact Award: Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, recognized for its significant investment in strengthening nursing practice, workforce well-being and patient care across New York.

·       Corporate Impact Award: Humana, honored for its sustained partnership with ANA to advance nurse well-being, professional development and healthier work environments.

“These honorees demonstrate the extraordinary impact that is possible when individuals and organizations invest in nurses,” said Angela Beddoe, chief executive officer of the American Nurses Enterprise. “Joan Widmer and Jeannine M. Rivet have strengthened the nursing profession by investing in nurse leadership and educational opportunity, while Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and Humana have advanced initiatives that support nursing practice, workforce well-being, professional development and healthier work environments. Together, their contributions help ensure nurses have the resources, opportunities and support they need to thrive and transform health care.”

###

About American Nurses Enterprise

The American Nurses Enterprise champions nurses by harnessing The Power of Nurses® to drive transformation and innovation across the health care landscape. As the unifying force behind three foundational pillars—the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Nurses Foundation—the enterprise sets the professional standards that empower nurse-led innovation, advocacy and research. By uniting these core organizations, the enterprise advances the nursing profession and shapes a healthier future for communities nationwide and around the globe.

About American Nurses Foundation

As the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Foundation inspires change and innovation by harnessing The Power of Nurses® through strategic, nurse-led philanthropy. With its 501(c)(3) status, the foundation mobilizes critical resources to fund innovative research and support initiatives that advance nursing practice, education and leadership. By forging intentional partnerships and providing targeted grants, the foundation empowers nurses to drive change within health care systems and communities. This commitment ensures that nurse-led solutions remain at the forefront of efforts to enhance care delivery and patient outcomes.

About American Nurses Association

As the preeminent organization representing more than 5 million nurses, the American Nurses Association stands at the forefront of advancing nursing excellence. The association harnesses The Power of Nurses® to champion the profession and drive transformation in health care. Through legislative and political advocacy, comprehensive educational services and the profession’s leading Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards, the association empowers nurses across every specialty and practice setting. The association is committed to ensuring healthy work environments, shaping pioneering policies, and cultivating partnerships that enhance both the nursing profession and the broader health care experience.

About American Nurses Credentialing Center

The American Nurses Credentialing Center works with the nation’s largest group of health care professionals to uphold the highest standards of nursing excellence. With a comprehensive suite of individual certifications and organizational accreditation programs designed to foster research, innovation, career growth and leadership development, the credentialing center equips nurses to achieve safer, patient-centric outcomes both nationally and internationally. Committed to harnessing The Power of Nurses® to elevate care standards worldwide, the credentialing center continuously sets the benchmarks that support excellence in every facet of nursing practice.